Because tomorrow magnifies what we do — or don’t do 🕰️
One of the things since Dad’s passing that I didn’t anticipate — and how could I — is the reality that I am 51 and both of my parents are already gone.
I feel so young. How are both gone already?
There’s a real awareness now of how fragile life is. My mom passed away at 69. That’s only 18 years from where I am today… yikes.
Because of that, maximizing my health now so I can have it later — Lord willing — has become incredibly important to me.
Since I was 36, when I started focusing on my health and fitness so I could be an active, healthy mom, I feel like I’ve done a pretty decent job. I’ve maintained an active lifestyle and a healthy weight. My primary care physician — who has been my PCP for over 25 years — runs my bloodwork every six months. Other than low testosterone, my labs are A+.
And then… 50 happened.
And apparently, no one tells your body it’s supposed to ease into it.
Almost overnight, my body shifted. My midsection softened. What worked for years to maintain weight and muscle strength suddenly did not work. I also started noticing muscle loss.
Turns out sarcopenia is very real — and wildly rude. Sigh.
Watching my dad near the end of his life changed me. He had always been a workhorse — able to outwork anyone at any age. But I saw him become frail. Unable to walk safely or get up from a chair on his own.
Yes, he had cancer for 14 years, and when it came back this last time it was aggressive. But he also didn’t take care of himself. He loved sweets and kept a dedicated “snax” drawer — spelled exactly like that. He didn’t eat regular meals, didn’t focus on nutrition, and didn’t strength train — ever. He struggled with his weight and tried extreme things like the grapefruit diet. Mercy.
I watched his decline — physically and mentally. And I want something different.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about all of this with the long game in mind. When you slow down, you notice what lasts, what fades, and what you wish you’d done sooner. Strength and independence matter. Being able to move well, think clearly, and live fully isn’t just a wish & a hope anymore.
If I’m blessed with a long life, I want strength, clarity, and independence for as long as possible. I know the Lord numbers my days, but I also believe I’m responsible for caring for the body I’ve been given.
If I want to be strong and healthy at 80, I have to start now 💪.
So I’m assessing where I’m at today — what’s working, what’s not — and what I want to adjust.
What I’m Already Doing
Oura Ring
We were early adopters of the Oura ring having had ours 4.5 years now. Maybe over five. It’s a tool and it’s not the end all be all but there are some helpful metrics like sleep and stress. It will generally tell me that I’m sick a few days before it hits me.
Sleep 😴
I aim for 6+ hours, preferably closer to 7. I’m a strong sleeper with lots of REM and deep sleep, but sleeping past 6.5 hours is tough for me.
When my husband and I get out of bed, we do a handful of stretches. It always feels good and sets the tone for the day.
Morning Rituals 💧
I always drink a full glass of water when I wake up. Always. I take my Wellbutrin with that first glass.
Several days a week, I weigh myself. The number isn’t everything, but it is an important trend marker.
About an hour after waking, I put 5–6 drops of Thorne Vitamin D + K2 into another glass of water and eat a spoonful of natural peanut butter. Vitamin D needs fat for absorption, and once I started doing this consistently, my levels improved.
I also take a women’s over-40 multivitamin from Pure Encapsulations with breakfast. I eat well, but micronutrients still matter.
Side note: I’ve done a lot of research to find clean, quality supplements. That’s important to me.
Nutrition & Movement 🚶♀️
I regularly eat two eggs for breakfast — great for choline, amino acids, and complete protein.
I walk several mornings each week, usually Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
I’m at the gym Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings doing the Norwegian 4×4 method — four minutes high intensity, three minutes low, repeated four times. About 30 minutes total, and wow, it packs a punch. I vary movements and always include both strength and cardio.
During workouts, I take 10g of creatine (for brain health 🧠) with an electrolyte mix.
With my second cup of coffee while getting ready, I add two scoops of Beesha Collagen Powder from Germany. I did my research — clean ingredients, highly recommended — and I’ve noticed a difference in my skin and hair.
I drink a lot of water. No sodas. Black coffee in the morning. Unsweet tea occasionally. I still enjoy an iced coffee now and then, but I’ve cut those back considerably.
Mid-morning, I usually do an “exercise snack.” Since I sit so much for work, I set a 2.5-minute timer: one minute of air squats, a 30-second rest, then another minute of air squats. It gets me every time. I’ve yet to emerge feeling victorious — only humbled.
That said, I was also eating frozen custard twice a week plus a chocolate sprinkle donut after the gym on Saturdays — because balance, obviously 🍩.
What Needs Tweaking in 2026
- More walking
30 minutes in the morning
15–20 minutes after dinner for digestion - Stretching
I’m not good at this, but I must get better. I’m always tight. I joke that I’m about as flexible as a barbell 🤦🏼♀️. - Balance exercises
My doctor recommended I start now so I’ll have it later. - Strength training three times a week
Using the FitBod app, which I really like. I’ve started going during my workday around lunch, which helps with consistency and gets me out of the house and moving mid-day. - Ice cream
One time a week 🍦 — these are date times with my husband, so they’re special. - Donuts
Maybe once a week — or not at all. - Red light therapy
I’ve had a red light face mask for two years and haven’t been consistent.
Red light for anti-aging one night, white light for firmness the next. - 30g of protein at breakfast
Two eggs, 3 tablespoons of egg whites, and one chicken sausage link - 120 grams of protein per day – I have found these drinks which are delicious! 30g of protein, lower cals too. Taste like Nesquick Strawberry Milk!
From a routine standpoint, protein and strength training are pretty well built into my days now.
What I still need to intentionally add are stretching, balance exercises, and red light therapy — in ways that feel natural so I’ll stick with them long term. Walking is mostly there too, but I want it to be automatic.
For me, routines have to feel effortless. I make a lot of decisions in a day, and I don’t want my health habits to require extra mental energy. I want them to happen because my day is structured around them — not because I’m forcing them.
From The Porch 🍃
And I’ll say this plainly: I’m not perfect. I’m human 🔁.
There are days I don’t do everything I planned. Some days are impressive. Others are… character-building.
If I blow it one day — like last Wednesday when I had pizza for lunch, ice cream, a burger for dinner, and then cake — all in one day — did I forget I am 51 NOT 16?!?! What did I do? The next day, I worked to make it better. No guilt spiral. No quitting. Just adjusted.
It may seem like a lot when I put it all on paper — and maybe it is. But we only get one body, and it has to last for decades — not just get us through today.
Tomorrow doesn’t magically make things easier unless you do the work today.
Days may feel long, but years move fast 🕰️.